A debate over Vietnam’s naturalized players has produced an unexpected disagreement within Thai football just before the two countries meet in the ASEAN Cup 2026 final.

Thai Football Association (FAT) vice-president Charnwit Polcheewin sparked controversy with comments about Vietnam’s squad ahead of the first leg at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on August 22.

Charnwit referred specifically to Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Tai Loc and Nguyen Xuan Son while questioning Vietnam’s use of naturalized players.

“Their team is essentially Vietnam and Brazil,” Charnwit said, referring to the three players. “Matches against the traditional Vietnam team in the past were always very exciting, but now there are questions about naturalization.”

He said other countries were also adopting naturalization policies and argued that the issue was generating discussion across Southeast Asia and within Vietnam itself.

Nevertheless, he added that Thailand would not interfere and was prepared to face any opponent.

Hudson: ‘I see no problem at all’

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Thailand coach Anthony Hudson has rejected criticism of Vietnam’s use of naturalized players. Photo: FAT

Thailand head coach Anthony Hudson took a markedly different position.

Rather than endorsing the comments of the FAT vice-president, the English coach defended Vietnam’s approach and praised the work being done by Kim Sang Sik and his team.

“I see no problem with it at all. In fact, I think it deserves recognition,” Hudson said. “They are doing their job very well. You can see in this tournament that Vietnam are an extremely well-organized team. They have some genuinely outstanding individuals.”

Hudson also pointed to Vietnam’s efforts to develop younger domestic players.

“I like watching Vietnam play,” he said. “They are genuinely a good team and play quality football. So I don’t see any problem at all.”

He added that Vietnam had assembled its strongest available squad and described that as a legitimate competitive advantage.

“I fully support what they are doing,” Hudson said. “I think Kim Sang Sik is also doing a very good job. They are a strong team and I respect them.”

Vietnam enter final with formidable squad

Hudson’s comments come as Vietnam arrive at the final with one of their strongest tournament records in recent years.

The defending champions are unbeaten at ASEAN Cup 2026.

They have scored 17 goals, the most in the tournament, while conceding only once and keeping five clean sheets.

Xuan Son is among Vietnam’s leading scorers with five goals, including three across the two semifinal matches against Malaysia.

Kim has challenged the striker to score three more over the two final legs against Thailand.

Hoang Hen, meanwhile, is preparing for the first ASEAN Cup final of his career.

“For me, this is a very special tournament,” he said. “This is my first ASEAN Cup and my first final. Representing Vietnam is something wonderful. I have lived here for a long time, and I love the country and the Vietnamese people.”

For Hoang Hen, individual recognition matters less than the result.

“The most important thing for me is that Vietnam win,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who scores.”

Hudson dismisses past results

Vietnam’s recent success against Thailand has added another layer to the debate surrounding the final.

Two years ago, Vietnam defeated Thailand in both legs of the ASEAN Cup final.

They won 2-1 at home before securing a dramatic 3-2 victory at Rajamangala to take the championship 5-3 on aggregate.

The result marked a major shift in a rivalry historically dominated by Thailand.

Hudson, however, does not want his players dwelling on previous meetings.

“I don’t pay too much attention to statistics because every team is different, every tournament is different and every stage has its own circumstances,” he said. “For me, tomorrow’s match is a real final. Everything is about the current situation in this tournament, not results from previous competitions.”

He acknowledged the emotional weight of the rivalry.

“I fully understand that this is an extremely important match for both Thai and Vietnamese supporters,” Hudson said. “I understand very clearly the importance and meaning of this game.”

Thailand under pressure

Hudson’s defense of Vietnam comes at a delicate moment for his own team.

Thailand reached the final after beating Singapore 3-1 in the first semifinal but then suffered a 2-1 defeat at Rajamangala in the return leg.

It was Thailand’s first home loss to Singapore in nearly 17 years and intensified criticism from supporters.

The War Elephants nevertheless progressed to the final and have had one more day of recovery than Vietnam.

Hudson believes his team is ready.

“We have prepared well for the two finals against Vietnam,” he said. “The extra day of rest helps the players recover. Everyone is fully focused and we have several plans ready for the final.”

He described the match as an opportunity for his players to demonstrate their quality after a tournament in which Thailand have faced significant scrutiny.

“We have been criticized a lot recently, but the team has worked hard and now stands in front of an opportunity to become champions,” he said. “When you reach a final, anything can happen.”

Kim: Vietnam will play with pride

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Vietnam boast a strong squad. Photo: S.N

Kim has also made his intentions clear.

Vietnam are not traveling to Bangkok simply to protect themselves ahead of the return leg.

The South Korean coach wants to win.

“This is another opportunity for Vietnam to write a new chapter in history, and we certainly do not want to miss it,” Kim said. “The players have an even stronger desire to win the championship than I do, so I believe they will give their best against Thailand.”

Kim believes Vietnam’s victory at Rajamangala two years ago can provide confidence rather than pressure.

“Playing away is always difficult, but we lifted the championship trophy here before,” he said. “That gives the whole team a basis to believe we can beat Thailand.”

Hudson, for his part, believes Vietnam deserve the respect their performances have earned, regardless of the debate surrounding the composition of the squad.

His response to Charnwit’s comments has therefore created an unusual subplot before the final: while a senior Thai football official questions Vietnam’s naturalization policy, Thailand’s own head coach sees little controversy at all.

Instead, Hudson sees what Thailand must overcome over two matches.

A strong opponent.

The first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final kicks off at 8 p.m. on August 22 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. The second leg will take place at My Dinh Stadium on August 26.

Dai Nam